Chapter 33
As I sat next to Yamato-sensei watching Naruto attempt his Rasenshuriken I started to wonder whether Kakuzu and Hidan would also attack at this time. The way things have been going makes me question the timing of things now but maybe I should still check I thought to myself. I placed my hands in the clone hand sign and said, "Shadow Clone Jutsu." In a puff of white smoke a second Izaya appeared beside me.
"Eh? Why did you create a clone for?" Yamato asked bewildered.
"I just wanted to check on something." I replied as my clone disappeared with the Flying Thunder God Jutsu and reappeared in my room. It then opened the window and jumped out as it walked around town. Eh? The atmosphere seems strange. Many of the Jonin and Chunin chakra signatures are spread way too thin and not many are left inside the village. Did they all go out on a mission? Don't tell me Hidan and Kakuzu really came to Konoha during this time. I then activated the Flying Thunder God once more and flew to Haku's location.
Swish!
Just as Shikamaru, Asuma, Kotetsu, and Izumo were finally about to recover from the shock of Haku and Kimimaro's battle they were instantly shocked once more by my sudden arrival beside Haku. "Eh? Big brother, are you finally finished with what Yamato-sensei needed you for?" Haku asked. I however, didn't answer as I just stared at the destruction all around us.
"Er...Did I come at a good time or a bad time?" I said inquisitively. Shikamaru and the others recovered from their shock faster this time as Shikamaru said, "Izaya, so you came too, huh? Well, not that I'm complaining. We fought against the Akatsuki. Thankfully Haku and Kimimaro came just in time to back us up and saved us from a terrible fate. We probably would have died if they hadn't showed up."
"What the hell? How did this guy get here? Oi! Let me go you bastards! These bone things hurt. Kakuzu, are you really dead? Stop pretending! Hurry up and free us! We don't know what the hell these guys are gonna do to us!" Hidan screamed, cursed, and shouted. Haku turned to face Hidan and said, "Give it up. He's really dead. There's no way he survived Mazu's attack."
EH? So Hidan is still alive huh? Looks like Kimimaro did a good number on him I mentally thought and smirked. I walked over to Haku and Kimimaro and placed my hands on their shoulders saying, "Good job you two! Capturing one member of the Akatsuki and killing the other. Not an easy feat to accomplish." Shikamaru and the others walked over at this time as well to inspect and collect Kakuzu's body. "Kotetsu, Izumo, you both secure Kakuzu's body. I'll help take care of Asuma-sensei." Shikamaru said.
"Mn. Then let's do that." They said in agreement. At that moment a few white birds flew in the air and off into the distance, however, I faintly sensed a watching eye through those birds when they flew by. I furrowed my brow. In my past life Asuma died and Kakuzu and Hidan were about to kill the others before they were called back by Pain. Those white birds must of been a technique of theirs in someway. Or maybe a technique of Konan. I turned my head to see Kotetsu and Izumo picking up Kakuzu's body when I stepped forward and said, "Wait."
"Eh? What is it?" They said.
"There's too many variables that could happen during the transport of these two Akatsuki members. Our best bet is to just have me teleport you guys to Konoha. I'll have my main body set up a place with Lord Fifth and I'll send you guys there." I replied.
"Can you do that?" Shikamaru asked. I nodded my head and dispelled the Shadow Clone technique turning into a puff of smoke. "Eh? So he was a clone the entire time?" Izumo said as he stared in wonderment.
As I sat next to Yamato my expression changed at that moment. Kakashi noticed my change in expression and said, "Is something wrong Izaya?"
"Well...I wouldn't say wrong, but something eventful did happen. Short story is that one Akatsuki member is dead and another one was captured. I'm going to meet with Lady Tsunade to set up a place to hold them and then directly teleport them into that space. This will reduce the number of variables that could come into play when attempting to transport them back to Konoha." I replied as I disappeared in the next moment.
"AH?" Both Kakashi and Yamato exclaimed as they took in the news and stared at the spot I was just at.
Knock Knock.
"Come in." Tsunade said.
"Yes." I replied as I walked in and saluted her.
"Izaya? If you're back does that mean Naruto completed his new technique?" She asked. I shook my head. "No, but he is getting very close. There's an important matter that needs to be taken care of. Asuma, Shikamaru, Kotetsu, Izumo, Haku, and Kimimaro encountered the Akatsuki. One is dead and they've captured the other. If I may be so bold to suggest my plan. First, we need a safe place to hold them immediately. Then I will then safely teleport them into that location so as to minimize any variables that may occur during their transport."
Tsunade quickly stood up from her seat as she yelled in shock, "WHAT?! Ahem! I mean. Shizune, quickly inform Lord Third and also gather our elite Anbu that specialize in interrogation including Morino Ibiki. Izaya, follow me, quickly."
"Yes!" Shizune and I replied as I followed her to a special holding cell beneath the compound of the Anbu's barracks. It was a dimly lit room far beneath the ground with different seals and barriers placed around. "Transport them here. I'm counting on you Izaya." She said.
"Mn." I nodded and left my special kunai in the middle of the place before disappearing.
Fwish!
"You're back. Did you secure a place with Lord Fifth?" Shikamaru asked.
"I did. Let's hurry. I'll also send Asuma-sensei to the hospital." I replied. I walked over to Hidan and activated my Wood Style, wrapping him up in a tight bundle. I then placed my hands on his cage which prompted him to start yelling. "Y-You bastard! What the hell do you think you're doing? Get your hands off right now you hear?! I said ge-..." He disappeared in a flash and reappeared at the designated location.
"Next." I said as I walked over to Kakuzu's body and placed my hand on his corpse. He too disappeared instantly. "Alright, Shikamaru, I'm sending you off with Asuma-sensei to the hospital." I said as I walked over to them.
"Mn. Please do." Shikamaru nodded.
"Thanks." Asuma said.
"Don't mention it." I replied as I teleported them near the hospital entrance. I then turned to Izumo, Kotetsu, Haku, and Kimimaro. "I'll take the five of us to Lady Tsunade and to where I sent the Akatsuki members." I relayed to them as I teleported them two at a time. Last but not least, myself I mentally said. I reappeared next to Tsunade in the next instant.
"Mn. Good job Izaya!" She said as she turned to look at me.
"So these are the two members of the Akatsuki in Konoha huh?" Hiruzen said as he walked in through the door.
"You bastards! What do you want to do huh? You can't kill me anyways so you should just let me go!" Hidan yelled. Soon after skilled members of the Anbu under Tsunade and Hiruzen walked in.
"Excellent work, Haku, Kimimaro, Kotetsu, Izumo, Izaya. We will take it over from here. Izaya, you may go first. As for the other four, aside from Asuma and Shikamaru I heard that you were the ones to actually fight and take down these two members of the Akatsuki. Give us your report and you can go after." Tsunade said.
"Yes!" We all replied. I was the first to leave as it seemed my job was done. So, turns out they did attack. It's a good thing Haku and Kimimaro are very strong now and that they made it in time to save Asuma I thought to myself as I disappeared and reappeared next to Yamato again. I sat back down to explain the entire situation to them.
Pitter Patter Pitter Patter.
"Hidan and Kakuzu failed. Hidan was captured and Kakuzu is dead." Pain said.
"So it seems." Konan said.
"Those Leaf shinobi are more skilled than anticipated. Hidan and Kakuzu must have been too careless. With Hidan captured and Kakuzu and Sasori dead, sealing the Two-Tails will take a bit longer than intended. It can't be helped. See if there's anyone else worth recruiting into Akatsuki." Pain said.
"Yes, I'll look into it." Konan replied respectfully before turning into a bunch of papers and flew off.
In a dark underground basement stood a man with a cane and half his face covered with bandages.
Fwish!
"Reporting Lord Danzo. Our plans to steal the body's of the two defeated Akatsuki members enroute to Konoha were foiled. Instead of their body's being transported they were instead directly teleported into a secure location underneath the Anbu Barracks of Lord Fifth and Lord Third by Karasuma Izaya. The prison that the remaining surviving Akatsuki member Hidan is held in is guarded by highly skilled Anbu 24/7 and will be difficult to breach." A Root Anbu said as he knelt before Danzo. Danzo clenched his cane with his left fist and had a scowl on his face. "Karasuma Izaya! I swear I will kill him and reclaim Shisui's eye. He's become a real thorn in my side. Heed my orders, tell unit three, four, and five to monitor Izaya and kill him when they have the chance. Have unit two monitor in the shadows and provide support if necessary."
"Yes." The Root Anbu replied and accepted his new orders and disappeared into the shadows. Danzo disappeared in a puff of smoke soon after.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Hyuga Hiashi walked through the Hyuga manor as he took a look at the courtyard where Hinata, Hanabi, and Neji were practicing their Taijutsu. He nodded his head in appreciation at their hard work before turning a corner and immediately paused. Noticing a figure in the shadows he immediately took up a defensive posture and said with a stern voice, "Reveal yourself!"
Tap. Tap. Tap. The figure slowly walked out of the shadows revealing to be Danzo.
"Eh? Lord Danzo?" Hiashi said as he lowered his defensive stance and resumed his normal posture of the Hyuga Clan Head.
"Hiashi. Pardon me for my intrusion upon your residence without notice." Danzo said.
"Of course, but what brings you to the Hyuga residence on such short notice?" Hiashi asked semi-warily of Danzo. Danzo walked by Hiashi as they both watched Hinata, Hanabi, and Neji continue their training in the courtyard. "I see the young members of the Hyuga Clan are training hard. You must be proud of them." Danzo said. Hiashi gave Danzo a sideways glance wondering what the heck this crafty old man was up to but answered, "Yes, I am very proud of their progress and dedication."
"If I recall, the next chosen heir to the Hyuga Clan will be Hyuga Hanabi correct?" Danzo asked.
"That is correct. As Hinata has abdicated the position and Neji is of the branch family the next in line is Hanabi. She has been studying and performing her duties as next head splendidly." Hiashi replied.
"Oh? Is that so? I wonder about that." Danzo said with hidden meaning. Hiashi raised his eyebrow in suspicion and said, "What do you mean Lord Danzo?"
"Hmm...I don't mean to interfere with the affairs of the Hyuga residence, but I hear that she has been spending quite some time with a boy named Karasuma Izaya. Have you heard of him?" Danzo replied.
"Hm? Izaya huh? I've seen him before. What do you mean when you say Hanabi has been spending time with him?" Hiashi inquired suspiciously.
"As the next head of the Hyuga Clan I thought she would be a bit more careful in choosing who she approaches. This Izaya child is too obscure. I researched his background and found that he was not originally from the Hidden Leaf. Who knows what kind of unknown and dark background he has. What kind of hidden motives might he have for joining the Hidden Leaf? Perhaps someone sent him as a spy. The fact remains that he is dangerous. It is unfortunate that Hiruzen is too soft and decided to let this unknown factor into our village. Even Tsunade turns a blind eye to this hidden danger. They have no clue as to what kind of threat they let linger and fester in our village. I do, however. That child has even attacked me once before in secret, however, because it was done in secrecy I do not possess the evidence to convict him of his crime. With Tsunade and Hiruzen being blinded by his act of innocence they will shield him from my words of wisdom. Before I can collect enough evidence I cannot move against him openly. I was merely wondering if you were aware that your daughter has been mingling with this hidden threat." Danzo stated.
"What?!" Hiashi exclaimed in surprise. "Impossible. Isn't that boy Izaya still just a child? How did he manage to find a chance and attack you in secret Lord Danzo? As for his background, is he truly not from the Hidden Leaf?"
"Do not underestimate that child. It is because he has such a mysterious background that we should all be wary. The fact that he had enough skill to attack me in secret should speak for itself. Think about it, have you ever seen this child's parents or relatives in the Leaf? Where did he come from before he attended the academy? A child with snow white hair and a blindfold, surly such features would be memorable. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing. And your daughter Hanabi seems to be a lamb for the slaughter. I would be more careful if I were you." Danzo replied as he turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows. Hiashi furrowed his brow with a look of caution and deep contemplation. Whether or not Danzo spoke the truth the fact remains that this Izaya boy is too unknown. It's better to have little contact with him just incase. He walked forward and said, "Hanabi!"
Just as Hanabi dodged a palm strike from Neji she heard her father call her name so she paused and turned her head. "Yes father?" She said as she jogged over to him. Hiashi stared down at her for a moment before saying, "Follow me. We need to talk." He then walked off into one of the private rooms with a confused Hanabi in tow. As the door closed Hiashi and Hanabi took a seat across from each other.
"Is there something you need father?" Hanabi asked inquisitively and nervously. For some reason she felt that there was a serious matter her father wished to discuss with her. After a moment of pause Hiashi looked at her with a stern face and said, "I heard you have been mingling with a boy named Karasuma Izaya. Is this true?"
Eh? Father wants to talk about Izaya? Why? Hanabi questioned mentally. She thought carefully about how to respond but decided there was nothing she needed to hide about this matter. There wasn't anything wrong with that she thought to herself. "Yes father. Izaya and I are friends. Did something happen?"
Hiashi furrowed his brow further. "So it's true then. From this day forth you are forbidden from meeting with him."
Hanabi's eyes widened in shock. "W-What do you mean forbidden from meeting with him? Father, explain so I can understand?"
"You are the next head of the Hyuga Clan. You needn't bother yourself with such people that have unclear backgrounds. It could endanger your life." Hiashi said in a commanding tone.
"Unclear background? Father, Izaya is from the Hidden Leaf Village! What wrong is there in our meeting each other?!" Hanabi exclaimed in confusion.
"From the Hidden Leaf? What part of unclear background did you miss? Before he attended the academy where was he? A child with his particular features would have been a memorable face in the village, yet no one knows where he came from or who his parents were before the academy. In fact, to this day no one still knows who his parents were. I've received word that he is a hidden danger to the Leaf. Whether or not this is true, the fact remains that he is too mysterious and could be a hidden danger to your life. As the next Head I expected you to be a bit more cautious." Hiashi replied.
"Father! You don't even know Izaya! He's not a danger to my life. Whether or not his background is known, Lord Third and Lord Fifth seem to trust him. In fact, he is even a direct disciple of Lord Third! How could Lord Third not know what kind of person Izaya is? If Lord Third trusts him then there is no reason why we need to be so wary. He even saved Lord Third's life when Orochimaru attacked the village! Even if he wasn't originally from the Leaf the fact is that he is a member of the Leaf now! How can you say such things about him?" Hanabi argued back.
Hiashi put a scowl on his face, "Look at you! Does he hold such influence over you already? You are being too emotional over this. He is just one boy! Forget about him. Even Lord Third makes mistakes. Look at Orochimaru for example. He too was a direct disciple under him but in the end Orochimaru defected and even attempted to destroy the village! Add this to the fact that Orochimaru was actually born and raised in the village whereas this Izaya boy probably wasn't even born here! It is better to be cautious than to fall into a trap. Stop meeting with him from now on."
"Father! You say that I am getting emotional over this, but Izaya is my friend. Aren't you also getting too emotional" Hanabi yelled.
"ENOUGH!" This is the end of the discussion. You may be next in line but the fact remains that you are not the Head of this Clan yet. I have the final say and I will decide what is best for you. Izaya has too many hidden dangers on him. You are forbidden from meeting him henceforth. Dismissed." Hiashi said in a commanding and overbearing voice. Hanabi just stared at her father with a look of anger, frustration, and hate. Never has her father decided to prevent her from meeting with specific people. In fact it was the opposite. Her father was the one to tell her which people she had to meet specifically, but other than that she was free to mingle with whomever. Why was this time different? Izaya had performed great merits for the Leaf so why would her father forbid her from being associated with him? She couldn't understand it. Tears welled up in her eyes at her frustration but she held them back. She wouldn't show weakness in front of her father so she stood up and slammed the door as hard as she could when she left the room.
When Hinata and Neji saw Hanabi walk past them in the courtyard they instantly knew something serious had happened between Hanabi and the Clan Head. Neji and Hinata just looked at each other before nodding as if they read each other's thoughts. Hinata chased after Hanabi's retreating form while Neji walked over to where the Clan Head Hiashi was.
Knock Knock.
Sigh. Hiashi let out a deep and long breath. "Enter."
Neji opened the door and bowed respectfully before saying, "Lord Hiashi, did something serious happen in the clan? Should I be aware about any dangers?"
Hiashi looked at Neji for a moment before answering, "Neji. Will you protect your cousins should anything dangerous befall them?"
Eh? Neji exclaimed in his head. Maybe something did happen within the clan he thought mentally. "Of course Lord Hiashi. It is my duty to protect the heirs of the clan with my life." He replied.
"Mn. Then that is good enough. There's no need for further discussion. I'd like to be alone for a bit." Hiashi said. Neji just nodded his head and walked away even more confused. "What the heck happened?" Neji mumbled to himself.
In a dark corner of the Hyuga compound stood Danzo hidden in the shadows. "Looks like things went well." Danzo whispered to himself before completely disappearing from the compound.
Phew. Yamato-sensei and Kakashi-sensei finally let me go after Naruto successfully created his Rasenshuriken. It's already been a week since Hidan and Kakuzu were defeated. I wonder how the interrogation is going? As I was walking through the woods back to Konoha and away from the remote training ground Naruto was at, I sensed a flutter in the trees.
They concealed themselves well whoever is hiding in the shadows of the forest I mentally noted. They must be aware of my sensory abilities to be able to hide from my detection at this close of a proximity. Don't tell me Danzo is trying to use this opportunity to kill me? Well I am alone right now so I guess they'll make their move soon. This will be the third time he's attempted my assassination, I wonder what tricks he'll play this time. He's aware I have the Flying Thunder God and can leave anytime so he probably had some of his Anbu look for my markers around Konoha and remain on standby incase I fly to one of them. This means if I really want to escape I still have five safe options. Fly to Kimimaro or Haku who has a special kunai, Hiruzen-sensei who has a necklace with my sealing formula, Yamato-sensei who has a special kunai I gave him from before, and the Anbu prison holding Hidan where it is tightly guarded by Lord Third and Lord Fifth's skilled Anbu's. Even so, I should just elect to kill all these guys to reduce the number of Anbu in Danzo's division.
Just as I finished my thoughts I leaned back successfully dodging four shuriken and did a backflip dodging five kunai.
"Well, seems you guys couldn't wait any longer." I said with a smirk. I pulled out a special kunai as it spun in my hands and said, "Do your worse."